Larry Andersen vs. Rufus Smith — Career Comparison

Rufus Smith built a career as a starting pitcher and Larry Andersen as a reliever — different jobs with different demands — but on the metrics that apply to both, a comparison is still worth making. Larry Andersen posted stronger surface numbers — ERA 3.15 and WHIP 1.313 compared to 3.38 and 1.375 for Rufus Smith. By the career numbers, Larry Andersen had the better of this cross-role comparison — though era context would sharpen the verdict.